Blog

Clipping Your Cat’s Nails

Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed regularly will avoid sharp scratches and save you the cost of paying a stylist to do it. Find out the basics from your Fort Bend veterinarian below.

Get Your Cat Acclimated

If your cat isn’t used to having her nails clipped, you’re going to have to get her acclimated to the feeling. At first, just try handling your cat’s paws a bit. This will probably be easiest and safest when she’s sleepy or calm. Rub her paws gently, one at a time, getting her used to the sensation of having her feet touched. Do several sessions of this until your cat appears to be comfortable with the process.

Find the Nail

Now, gently hold your cat’s paw in one hand and squeeze the paw pad and toe together to protrude the nail. It should push out from the fur and be clearly visible. Notice at the base of the nail there is a pink area. You do not want to cut here; it is the quick, the blood vessel of the nail, and cutting it will result in bleeding.

Clip

Making sure your cat is calm, take your other hand holding the clippers and gently snip off just the end of the protruding nail. You simply want to make the claw blunter, not make it drastically shorter.

You don’t have to do all your cat’s nails at once, especially if she’s becoming agitated. Wait until she’s calm before you try to clip the remaining nails. If you do accidentally clip the quick, use a styptic pencil or powder to stop the bleeding, or use a pad of gauze to apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops.

Reward

After a successful nail trimming session, praise your cat with plenty of kind words and a few treats. With any luck, she’ll eventually come to accept nail trims as a regular part of life and anticipate the treat afterwards. Ask your Fort Bend veterinarian for more helpful tips.